Mamedica
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Mamedica is a London, UK-based medical cannabis clinic which was founded in 2021 and launched in 2022.[1] It is one of four UK clinics licensed to prescribe and dispense medical cannabis.[1]
History
Mamedica was founded by Jon Robson in 2021. After raising £1 million from private investors through UK Government incentive schemes, and obtaining licences from the Care Quality Commission and General Pharmaceutical Council, it treated its first patients in June 2022.[1]
In August 2022, it published a survey of 4,000 people which found that 60% of British people would consider using cannabis to treat medical conditions, particularly if prescribed by a doctor.[2][3] A February 2023 survey for Mamedica found a third of respondents would use medical marijuana to help treat depression.[4]
The clinic has reported a 400% increase in patients since it was founded.[5] Robson says the clinic aims "to offer an alternative to conventional medicines to individuals who are struggling with a severe medical condition and desire to regain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives".[6]
Patient conditions
Since June 2022, 40% of Mamedica's prescriptions have been for mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder.[7] In 2023, Mamedica reported an increase in demand from patients suffering from psychiatric conditions and opting to use medical cannabis as a replacement for traditional medication that can cause side effects.[8]
In addition, the clinic prescribes CBD to support patients with menopause symptoms like hot flushes,[9] and the clinic supports patients living with chronic neurological pain, with bespoke cannabis-based prescription medicines (CBPMs) that improve individuals' overall quality of life by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.[10]
Eligibility for treatment
While more than 89,000 private medical cannabis prescriptions have been made in the UK, there have been fewer than five medical cannabis prescriptions via the NHS.[11] UK legislation states that a prescription for medical cannabis can only be initiated by a specialist consultant on the General Medical Council (GMC) register.[12] Before patients can book a Mamedica consultation, they need to have tried at least two licensed medications or treatments and must not have any history of schizophrenia or psychosis.[13] Patients must provide their medical records and details about their family medical history to mitigate any potential risks of using CBPMs.[13]
Treatment
Mamedica doctors can prescribe CBPMs including THC, Cannabidiol (CBD) and balanced cannabis profiles and cannabis flower, oil, capsules and cartridges for patients living with chronic conditions.[14] Mamedica's cannabis flower prescriptions are strictly for the use of dry-herb vaporisers, devices that let patients heat the flower and inhale its contents as a vapour.[13]
References
- ^ a b c Leigh, Dana (December 5, 2022). "A Chat with Jon Robson, CEO at Medicinal Cannabis Clinic: Mamedica". Techround.
- ^ Waugh, Rob (15 August 2022). "Most British people would now consider using medical cannabis, survey shows". Yahoo News. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
- ^ Roberts, Joe (4 August 2023). "More than half of Brits unaware they can access cannabis on prescription". Cannabis Health News. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
- ^ Maule, Will (26 February 2023). "Third of Brits would opt for medical cannabis to treat mental health conditions". Wales Online. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
- ^ Koronka, Poppy (August 10, 2023). "Epileptic children face losing access to medicinal cannabis" – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
- ^ "UK cannabis clinic delivers weed straight to your door". LADbible. April 21, 2023.
- ^ Eccles, Louise (August 10, 2023). "I used to buy cannabis from street dealers for my anxiety. Now I get a prescription" – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
- ^ "ADHD sufferers are self-medicating with cannabis because of NHS delays, charity warns". Sky News.
- ^ Hughes, Lauren (March 16, 2023). "Hot flushes? These patches have been hailed a 'lifesaver' for menopause symptoms". Metro.
- ^ Sharp, Christopher (May 20, 2023). "'Medical cannabis changed my life,' says woman with rare neurological disorder". Express.co.uk.
- ^ Shehadi, Sebastian (April 17, 2023). "England to become the second largest medical cannabis market in Europe". Investment Monitor.
- ^ "Why neurodivergent people are self-medicating with weed". Dazed. July 10, 2023.
- ^ a b c Hockaday, James (August 6, 2022). "Medical weed prescribed to 17,000 in UK - but many are still using black market". Metro.
- ^ "Man shows how easy it can be to get a medical cannabis prescription in the UK". LADbible. April 26, 2023.